Wuzhen is the best preserved of China’s six ancient water towns, and is divided into districts, specializing in traditional handicrafts or activities. The first settlers of Wuzhen arrived in 872 AD, and over 80% of its buildings can be dated back to the 19th century or earlier.

The Grand Canal -  the longest canal in the world

The Grand Canal is the man made body of water that connects Beijing with Hangzhou, and is the longest canal in the world. Work first began in the 5th century BC, but was not fully completed until the 6th century AD. Take a boat ride along the waterways of Wuzhen to where it meets the Grand Canal, just below the White Lotus Tower in the Xizha neighborhood of Wuzhen.

Weeping willow trees line the banks fo the winding waterway, and if you climb to the top of the 52-meter (170-foot) tower, you will be rewarded with splendid views of the lush farmland beyond and a myriad of boats shuttling up and down the Grand Canal, as they have done for over a thousand years.

Foliage Dyeing Workshop

Blue Calico is the traditional handmade cloth of Wuzhen. At this environmentally friendly dyeing and drying workshop, you will watch the age-old process of dyeing cloth using natural foliage from local plants.

The shop’s unique color-printing process uses various dyes distilled from natural grass and vegetable matter such as tea leaves, mulberry bark, and Chinese tallow tree leaves.

Museum of Ancient Bridges

Bridges were essential in the development of a town with as many rivers, canals and waterways as Wuzhen. At its peak, Wuzhen had nearly 150 bridges within its small area.

Today, 70 of these bridges are still in use, which has given Wuzhen its nickname, “the Museum of Ancient Bridges.” Stroll around Wuzhen and marvel at the myriad of shapes, types and styles of bridges. Be sure to bring your camera, as these bridges are great for photo opps!

Water Market

In ancient times, Wuzhen was nestled at the boundary of two provinces, three prefectures and seven counties, with dense waterways extending in every direction.

Residents of neighboring towns would arrive early in the morning on their boats, drink tea, and sell homegrown vegetables and livestock at the market.

The locals still prefer this type of market, which flourishes to this day.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the water town. In the afternoon, transfer back to your hotel.

Longmen Ancient Town was the birthplace of Sun Quan (182- 252 AD), the founder of the ancient Wu state during the Three Kingdoms period. A hero of his time, Sun is most famous for his honesty in handling state affairs.

The town itself is situated on the southern bank of the Fuchun River in Fuyang, about 50 km from Hangzhou's city centre.

'Longmen' in Chinese means 'dragon's gate', and was first given the name by an ancient Chinese scholar who was inspired by the beautiful landscape.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to your next stop.

Xixi Wetlands

The Xixi Wetlands offer a piece of countryside charm in urban Hangzhou, and can be explored on foot or by boat. Over 70% of the 10 square kilometers are covered by water.

Though the area tends to be warm and humid, it does undergo four distinct seasons and is beautiful at any time of year.

Thanks to its picturesque waterways and rural landscapes, the wetland has long since attracted artists and writers and has inspired marvelous poems, paintings and calligraphy.

In addition to the natural wonders of this park, other highlights include former residences, a Buddhist nunnery, a cultural museum, and a multitude of cafes to stop for a drink or a bite to eat along the way.

Shops demonstrating the ancient arts of sericulture (silk farming) and book engraving line the main streets.

Transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon.

 A leisurely cycle around the shores of the West Lake is one of the best ways to soak up the beautiful views and rich history of this scenic area. Also visit colourful Hefang Street and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum.

Hefang Street

This colorful pedestrian street is located at the foot of Wushan Hill, and is one of the best-restored urban quarters in Hangzhou.

Get a feel for the bustle and liveliness of times past by engaging in some friendly bargaining with local vendors, or picking up a delightful little souvenir.

Huqingyutang Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum

This museum originally served as a state pharmacy and traditional Chinese medicine workshop.

Today, it educates visitors about the thought, history, and development of traditional Chinese medicine, and also contains a workshop where you can watch medicines being prepared.

Biking Along West Lake

A leisurely cycle around the shores of the West Lake is one of the best ways to soak up the beautiful views and rich history of this scenic area.

See the main highlights of the city of Hangzhou. Visit spectacular Lingyin Temple, Longjing Tea Plantation, Guo Garden and finally enjoy a cruise along Hangzhou’s beautiful West Lake.

Lingyin Temple

Founded in 328 AD by the Indian monk known as Hui Li, this temple‘s English name is translated as the Temple of Inspired Seclusion.

It is one of the largest Buddhist temples in China, and once served as a home to over three thousand monks.

Between the 10th and 14th centuries, monks carved over three hundred Buddha statues into the peak of the mountain in front of the temple.

Longjing Tea Plantation

At the southwestern end of the West Lake lies the Dragon Well Village, famous for the Longjing variety of green tea grown there.

Depending on the time of year, you will see tea leaves at various stages of processing; cut, sorted, dried, before being packaged to be shipped and sold as one of China‘s finest green teas.

You will have the opportunity to pick some tea leaves and taste an expertly brewed cup of tea.

Enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant before continuing on to your next stop.

Cruise Along West Lake

West Lake was originally a shallow inlet of the Qiantang River, but was dredged and dammed during the Tang Dynasty (8th Century AD) to create the body of water we see today.

The lake and its surrounding areas have influenced garden design in China, Japan and Korea over the course of hundreds of years, and are a spectacular sight to behold.

Enjoy a scenic cruise along this beautiful lake, and float by numerous temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens, islands, and ornamental trees.

Guo Garden

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the famous garden overlooking the picturesque West Lake.

Afterwards, sit down for a cup of tea in the same place where Chairman Mao once greeted guests in Hangzhou.